The call to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy grew louder on Tuesday as newly appointed PDP chairman, Tanimu Turaki, renewed his plea to former U.S. President Donald Trump and other world leaders for urgent intervention. According to him, the rising political tensions require immediate global attention to prevent further deterioration of democratic governance in the country.
Turaki noted that the ongoing internal conflict within the PDP reflects the seriousness of the threats facing Nigeria’s democracy. He stressed that only strong international support can halt the dangerous slide, warning that the situation should not be overlooked by nations committed to defending democratic values.
Turaki raises alarm over democratic decline
His remarks came in response to the unrest that followed the police takeover of the PDP national headquarters in Abuja. The incident intensified the rivalry between factions backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who clashed at the Wadata Plaza.
Turaki emphasized that Nigeria’s challenges now go beyond insecurity and religious violence, arguing that the very framework of governance is at risk.
Renewed appeal to Trump and global leaders
He again reached out to Donald Trump and other world powers to take note of the escalating crisis, stating:
“I want to call on President Trump, what is at stakes, is not just genocide against Nigerian Christians, you should come and save democracy in Nigeria. Democracy is under threat. I’m calling on all other develop nations, all advance democracies, come and save Nigeria.”
Turaki accused Wike of allegedly deploying armed thugs, aided by police officers, to cause chaos at the party’s headquarters. He described the actions as deliberate efforts to intimidate members and destabilize democratic institutions.
‘We are ready to defend this mandate’
Following the confrontation, Turaki maintained that his faction remains committed to protecting the party’s mandate. He insisted that they would push back against any attempt to suppress democratic principles.
He affirmed:
“I have said it before, we are willing to lay down our lives to protect our office, to protect our democracy and to protect our mandate.”
Turaki urged the international community to keep a close watch on the unfolding events and intervene where necessary, insisting that Nigeria’s political situation urgently requires global support.